It’s astonishing to think that it’s been over a decade since we had a brand-new 2D Mario game to play. Now don’t get me wrong, I have a soft spot for iterations like Super Mario 35 and creative remixes such as the Super Mario Maker line-up. But let’s be real, something was just not hitting the same. Enter Super Mario Bros. Wonder, set to drop on October 10th. Having had an early hands-on experience with it, I can safely say the spellbinding fun we all missed is making a comeback.
Nintendo made a daring move by switching the scenery from the iconic Mushroom Kingdom to the vibrant Flower Kingdom. This bold choice gave them the latitude to revamp pretty much every facet of the game while sticking to the sacred gameplay loop of run, jump, break stuff, and hoard collectibles. For example, they introduced a nifty elephant suit power-up that lets you wallop foes with your snout. And sure, the Fire Flower hasn’t been retired, but why not spice things up with a Bubble Flower that lets you both attack and ascend by bouncing on bubbles you shoot?
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Now let’s talk roster. Super Mario Bros. Wonder features the most expansive character list we’ve seen in a Mario side-scrolling game. We’re talking about the return of Daisy in 2D, along with Peach, Luigi, Toad, Nabbit, and various shades of Yoshi. Yoshi and Nabbit come with their own gameplay twists: they can’t morph but are also impervious to enemy damage and environmental hazards like tumbling rocks. It’s a great mechanic for casual gameplay and introducing a new audience to 2D platformers. I mean, some of these kids probably encountered Mario in a cinema, not on a retro console. Plus, each level comes with its own difficulty rating. How cool is that?
In the enemy department, there’s also an upgrade. You’ll be battling Koopas on rollerblades and dealing with rampaging rhinos. Heck, there are even new species like Goombrats, which are basically tomato-inspired Goombas.
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Another layer of complexity is added by the new badge system, split into Action badges and Boost badges. While Action badges like “Wall Climb Jump” and “Floating High Jump” assist in revealing hidden secrets, Boost badges like the Coin badge and the “Add ! Blocks” badge modify your path through a level. However, the specifics of how to acquire these badges remain shrouded in mystery until the game’s official launch.
But hold onto your caps, folks, because the real game-changer is the Wonder Flowers mechanic. These flora miracles flip the script entirely. One minute you’re navigating static warp pipes, and the next, they’re wriggling on the ground like earthworms. Super Stars rain from above, days morph into nights, and in some instances, you find yourself levitating. The Wonder Flowers create unique alterations in each level, leading to pleasant surprises that throw you a curveball just when you think you’ve got it all figured out.
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What also caught my eye were the intricate details and animations. This is arguably the most expressive 2D Mario we’ve ever seen. Mario’s facial expressions change dynamically with his speed, and his hat plays along with the wind. Add to that the cute little flames that sprout from your feet when you’re Fire Flower-equipped, and the cheerful flora in the backdrop, and you’ve got yourself a visual spectacle.
Last but not least, the online multiplayer in Wonder is worth mentioning. Supporting up to four players online (or a local and online hybrid with two players each), it offers a conventional race mode reminiscent of Mario Kart’s time trials. Alternatively, a more team-oriented mode allows for a cooperative playstyle, where checkpoints can be activated by any player to save others from having to restart a level upon dying.
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In a nutshell, Super Mario Bros. Wonder feels like a brilliant remix of a timeless tune. Nintendo has breathed new life into its venerable 2D platformer, making it as fresh for today’s youngsters as it was for us back in the day. Based on my early exposure, this is one game that feels like a must-have, right out of the gate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Super Mario Bros. Wonder First Impressions
What is the main focus of the article?
The main focus of the article is to provide first impressions of the upcoming game, Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It covers the new features, mechanics, characters, and power-ups, as well as how the game stays true to the classic Mario formula while introducing innovative elements.
Who is the target audience for this game according to the article?
The target audience includes both long-time Mario fans and newcomers, particularly those who might be introduced to 2D platformers for the first time. The game features various difficulty levels and character options to appeal to a broad audience, from casual to hardcore gamers.
What are some of the new gameplay features introduced in Super Mario Bros. Wonder?
New gameplay features include a fresh roster of characters, a badge system for customization, and a new mechanic involving “Wonder Flowers” that radically alter level dynamics. There are also novel power-ups like the elephant suit and Bubble Flower, and new enemies like Koopas on roller skates and tomato-inspired Goombrats.
How does the game differ from classic Mario games?
Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces a new setting, the Flower Kingdom, as opposed to the classic Mushroom Kingdom. It also has the most expansive character roster ever seen in a Mario side-scrolling game, new types of power-ups and enemies, and a badge system for gameplay customization.
What does the article say about the game’s online multiplayer options?
The game supports online multiplayer for up to four players. It offers a conventional race mode, similar to time trials in Mario Kart, as well as a more collaborative mode where players can activate checkpoints for each other, reducing the penalty for dying in a level.
Does the article mention how new badges are earned in the game?
The article notes that it’s still unclear how new badges are earned, as this information was not available in the preview. Players will have to wait for the official game release to find out.
Is Super Mario Bros. Wonder suitable for players new to the Mario franchise?
Yes, the article mentions that the game is a great way to introduce 2D platformers to a new generation. Characters like Yoshi and Nabbit offer easier gameplay mechanics, making it accessible for newcomers.
What is the release date for Super Mario Bros. Wonder?
The game is set to be officially released on October 10th.
How did the article find the game in terms of visual and expressive details?
The article found the game to be the most expressive 2D Mario game to date, praising the intricate details and animations, including Mario’s dynamic facial expressions and the backdrop elements like cheerful flowers.
Would the author recommend buying the game based on their first impressions?
Yes, the article concludes by stating that Super Mario Bros. Wonder feels like a “must-have, right out of the gate,” indicating a strong recommendation to purchase the game upon its release.
More about Super Mario Bros. Wonder First Impressions
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder Official Site
- Nintendo’s Announcement for Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- History of 2D Mario Games
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder Character Roster Reveal
- Previous Mario Game Reviews
- Super Mario Maker Series Overview
- Comparing Mario Kart and Super Mario Bros. Multiplayer Modes
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder Gameplay Mechanics Explained
- Upcoming Nintendo Releases
- Interview with Super Mario Bros. Wonder Developers
10 comments
Yoshi not taking damage, eh? Seems like the easy mode for newbies. Back in my day, we had to dodge fireballs uphill, both ways.
So we got badges now? Reminds me a bit of Paper Mario. Wonder how they’ll play out in this one. If it’s anything like Paper Mario, count me in.
No mention of how to earn badges? C’mon, you gotta give us more than just a teaser. I need details, man, details!
Online multiplayer? This is what we’ve been waiting for ppl! finally we can bash Goombas together.
I wonder if this Flower Kingdom is gonna show up in a movie too. Imagine a live-action Daisy and Peach duo. Just saying.
Ahh, takes me back to the days of classic Mario. But, hey, now we got Koopas on roller skates and rhinos? What were they smoking when they thought of this? haha
Flower Kingdom, you say? Here’s hoping for some deep lore dives. Give us the backstory Nintendo!
Badges and different difficulty levels for each stage? Finally, a Mario game my kids and I can both enjoy without too many fights over who’s turn it is.
The game looks so good I’d be happy just watching someone else play. lol, maybe I’ll finally start that Twitch channel.
Whoa, the new power-ups sound insane! An elephant suit, really? Nintendo’s pulling out all the stops and I’m here for it.